Are you concerned about drinking well water? Have you questioned the safety of your well water supply? If so, you are like millions of other homeowners with access to a private well. You see, most drinking water in the country is regulated by state and federal governments since the water is distributed through municipal services. However, some homeowners do not have access to this communal water supply, and instead, use a private well.
Private springs are not regulated by the state or federal government (in fact, the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 does not include private wells), so they can retain unsafe drinking water depending on the circumstances. It is up to the owner of the well to ensure their well water is safe to drink. Neglecting to properly maintain a private well can lead to unsafe drinking water conditions.
Ground Water
Well water and private springs are simply natural groundwater. Most groundwater is essentially safe, however, there are exceptions. For this reason, it is important to occasionally have well water tested to ensure it has not been contaminated. Ground water can become contaminated under various circumstances, such as chemical or fertilizer water runoff, pesticides, household waste, litter, and much more.
It can also contain high levels of fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, hard minerals, and more, all of which are hazardous to health in varying degrees. It all depends on what the water picks up in the soil and rock as it makes its way through the ground. These levels of pollutants are different from region to region, and can also change drastically within a short period of time. Again, this is why it is important to have your water tested annually.
Acceptable Standards for Well Water
In order to understand the acceptable levels of certain minerals, elements, and contaminants in well water, refer to the EPA standards. Their website will inform you of everything you need to know for your particular area. You can also contact your local health department for information about healthy spring water standards.
In order to have your water tested, you can purchase an at-home test kit and implement the testing yourself, however, this is not always the most accurate method. For the sake of your health and safety, it is best to hire a professional soft water technician who retains the proper knowledge and resources to accurately test your well water and offer the most fitting solutions.
Is Your Well Water Safe to Drink? Here are Some Factors to Consider:
Is it in a Good Location? Investigate the area to ensure the location of the well is not affected by nearby hazards or influences. Check with neighbors to see if they have had well water problems.
Was it Constructed Properly? Improper construction can be an open invitation for structural problems. If a well is not structurally sound, issues will develop overtime.
How is the Water Source? The aquifer or water source from which the well water is drawn from should be reliable and safe. It needs to be tested for you to be 100% sure.
Has it Been Consistently Maintained? A neglected well will not have safe drinking water. You must determine if the proper maintenance has been implemented without interruption.